Upside down
Web posted at: 6/14/2008 2:27:56
Source ::: The Peninsula / (by Ayoob Abdulla)
A Mitsubishi Galloper overturned at Airport signal yesterday evening causing traffic disruption for around 15 minutes. The vehicle, which was coming from Al Mana signal at a high speed, turned turtle after the driver apparently applied brakes. Interestingly, the driver and a passenger in the vehicle ran away before the police arrived at the spot.
Gulf fund eyes Chrysler Building in New York
Web posted at: 6/13/2008 2:55:7
Source ::: AFP
New york • New York’s Chrysler Building, a skyscraper icon, is being targeted for purchase by a Middle East sovereign wealth fund, the US media reported yesterday.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Council, an investment arm of the Gulf emirate, is in talks with a subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc to pay $800m for a 75 percent stake in the Art Deco treasure, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
US-Qatar nuclear deal likely next month
Web posted at: 6/13/2008 2:56:18
Source ::: The Peninsula/ by Rabin Gupta
Doha • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Qatar and the US related to nuclear energy could be signed as early as next month, Jackie Wolcott, US Special Envoy for Nuclear Non-Proliferation, said here yesterday.
Qatar, along with other GCC states like Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have expressed interest in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. “The (Bush) administration is very supportive of nuclear energy. If countries comply with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), we want to help them do it the right way."
However it is yet to be decided, at least formally, on whether the GCC states will proceed with nuclear development en bloc or individually. It could well be a combination of both as some countries are better off than others financially. “Our talks have been positive and we have talked to others in the region. There has been talk of a GCC-wide approach to nuclear energy and we listen to what they say,” said Wolcott.
Countries like Qatar are looking to the long-term as they seek to move away from finite oil and gas reserves for their energy needs. Wolcott emphasised matters are at a very early stage of consideration on the part of countries in the region but the US is delighted the GCC is looking at the possibilities in a responsible way. “We have a lot to offer on nuclear energy development. The GCC countries want to do it in the right way and be transparent," she said.
